Lunate Dislocation Followed by Non-Traumatic Swimming: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Emergency Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Lunate dislocation is an uncommon wrist injury often resulting from trauma.
• Diagnosis can be delayed due to subtle presentation and lack of recalled injury.
• Emergency department presentations require careful evaluation for potential occult injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight a case of lunate dislocation presenting with non-specific wrist pain.
• To emphasize the importance of clinical suspicion in diagnosing subtle wrist injuries.
• To illustrate the diagnostic pathway for lunate dislocation in an emergency setting.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 32-year-old male presenting with wrist pain.
• Clinical examination revealing dorsal wrist tenderness and paresthesia in the 4th and 5th fingers.
• Initial plain X-ray to rule out fractures, followed by advanced imaging for diagnosis.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with severe wrist pain and tenderness without a clear history of trauma.
• Physical examination findings, including paresthesia, raised suspicion for lunate dislocation.
• Imaging confirmed lunate dislocation, leading to orthopedic admission for treatment.

Conclusions:

• Lunate dislocation should be considered in patients with persistent wrist pain and tenderness, even without a recalled traumatic event.
• A combination of thorough clinical examination and appropriate imaging is essential for accurate diagnosis.
• Early recognition and treatment of lunate dislocation are vital for optimal patient outcomes.